Well we got a nice early Chrismas present thanks to our U21 footballer who are champions of Dublin! Cuala are Dublin U21 Football Champions after 33 years. They defeated Crokes 2-7 to 0-6 last Sunday to win in some style. After two early goals from Paul Schutte and John Sheanon, our boys were in front the whole way and a much vaunted Crokes team never really got going. Crokes too were hampered by a nasty collision between defenders Rory O’Carroll and Kevin Nolan but the Cuala boys were truly outstanding. The backs were dogged, the mid-field soared high and the forwards were sublime. Particularly in the first half the inter-play between the mid-field and the forwards was top-notch and Crokes defence was breached time and time again. In the second-half the Cuala backs really showed their mettle and some outstanding defending from Michael Fitzsimons and Oisin Gough meant that Crokes were living on scraps. Some great photos on the web www.cualagaa.ie but one attached below for the mantlepiece.

Here’s one for the Christmas stocking. Conor Bass filmed the Under 21 final over Crokes last Sunday and is now taking orders from anyone who wants a copy. Cost €5 and to order send Conor a text on 0860750687 with your name and the number of DVDs you want.

Over 160 kids, parents and friends packed the Hall for the 1998’s Pre X-Factor Christmas Quiz last Saturday. Questions were answered, songs were sung and even a few jigs were danced before the main prize was handed out to Tiernan Lane and Brian Coronella (and various family members). Well done to Eibhlín Loughman and her band of industrious elves for bringing the whole thing together.

The U11 Hurlers are keeping things going right to the wire. They will play their final league division one match against Na Fianna on Saturday.

The Juvenile registration day has been set for Saturday morning January 9th at the Club. All the juvenile age groups, boys and girls, will have representatives and mentors on hand to receive applications and renewals. There will be a strict enforcement of registration before being able to play or train in 2010 so it is strongly advised that you make your way to the Club between 0930 and 1130 on that first Saturday back after the Christmas break. Renewal forms will be circulated in advance by team members. All those registering on the day can benefit from the fact that cheques written on the 9th will be collectively put into the bank on January 29th. Academy children have already registered for 2010 in September of this year.

The 2009 U21 Hurling competition will resume in February where our lads are in the sem-final against Ballyboden.

The Ladies Lunch scheduled for Jan. 8th is being postponed and a new date (which will be scheduled at a more convenient time for many of our attendees) will be finalised in the New Year. In the meantime we will issue refunds via the team mentors. Thanks to all who have supported the event. For any queries please contact Fiona, 086 758 2059 or Barbara 086 824 5645.

There will be no Newsletter next week, will return again in early January.